Domestic violence against men in Elmina township of Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abrem Municipality

Abstract

This study aimed to explore domestic violence against men within Elmina Township, located in the Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abrem Municipality. It drew its theoretical foundation from the resource and the ecological theories. The study was firmly rooted in the interpretive paradigm and employed a qualitative research approach, specifically adopting phenomenology as its research design. The research focused married male victims of domestic violence in the Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abrem Municipality, along with an official from the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU). Snowball sampling technique was employed to select the participants for the study. The study's sample included 11 male domestic violence victims and 1 DOVVSU official responsible for addressing domestic violence issues in the locality. The primary data collection tool utilized in this study was an interview guide. Through this approach, the study sought to gain a deep and nuanced understanding of the experiences and perspectives of male victims and the role of DOVVSU in handling domestic violence cases in Elmina Township. Participants shared a coherent understanding of domestic violence, describing it as the abuse of one person by another within intimate relationships, encompassing physical, sexual, and emotional mistreatment. The findings revealed that various forms of abuse were prevalent, including physical violence leading to injuries, denial of sexual intimacy and food as means of control, and emotional abuse through insults and name-calling, causing long-term psychological effects. The findings indicated that that male victims often suffer in silence due to societal perceptions and underreporting. Cultural norms that primarily focus on women and children as victims contribute to this issue. The study emphasized the urgent need to recognize and address domestic violence against men, highlighting its diverse forms and severe consequences. It also stressed the importance of increasing awareness and support for male victims, extending resources and legal protection, and encouraging the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit to play a more inclusive role in addressing this issue. Barriers such as stigma and fear must be overcome to combat domestic violence against men in Elmina Township effectively